When churches look for creative ways to expand their outreach and potentially boost their attendance, their methods can be as different as the congregations themselves. Some efforts feed the soul, some the spirit. Some connect with people one on one, others draw in dozens at a time.

Parties are always a great way to get people together, and one Kalamazoo church has discovered that when it involves children in community events, their parents often tag along.

The Milwood Christian Reformed Church held its Fall Fellowship Gathering, a free neighborhood celebration, in its parking lot on a recent Saturday afternoon. Music filled the air, kids played games, and a full meal was served to all, with local businesses donating goods and services to help defray costs. The gathering was a benefit for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and a chance for the Milwood community to mingle with the church’s congregation.

The turnout, according to Catherine Frisinger, the church’s chair of mission and outreach, was impressive, with many area families walking to the church for the festivities.

Milwood CRC has a strong focus on children, sponsoring at least six youth programs, including youth groups for both high school and middle school students, mentoring partnerships with area schools and a backpack distribution program.

“We have a lot of kids in this church,” Frisinger said. “Not all of them have two-parent homes and their parents need the help, so these programs benefit the whole family.”

Building relationships with area children, Frisinger said, is Milwood CRC’s primary means of growth. She said that once the kids are comfortable in the church and parents begin to see the benefits, the family often begins to attend regularly.

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